GNC School Board Names New Superintendent

Superintendent-Elect Dr. Carolyn McGuffog

Posted on 11/10/2016

Following a two-month selection process, the Greenburgh-North Castle Union Free School District (GNC UFSD) named Dr. Carolyn McGuffog as the superintendent-elect. Dr. Edward Placke will be retiring from the position in April 2017 and will move into a new role as Executive Director at Green Chimneys. Dr. McGuffog’s contract begins February 1, 2017.

“With its admirable track record in preparing challenged students to be productive, contributing members of society, I am honored to be given this opportunity to work with the Greenburgh-North Castle Union Free School District,” said Dr. McGuffog. “My track record has been very productive and positive, and with this excellent group of board members, educators, staff and students, the possibilities are endless as to what we can continue to do for these children.” In addition to an extensive educational background with two doctorates and six years post-doctoral training, Dr. McGuffog has 30 years of experience as a teacher, psychologist and administrator. She served as a school psychologist in the Pleasantville School District for 13 years before moving into her most recent role as assistant superintendent for educational services in 2004. In addition to her work experience, Dr. McGuffog currently serves as a Clinical Director for the Doctoral Psychology Internship Program in Pleasantville and as a Clinical Psychologist/ School Neuropsychologist at a private practice in Westchester County and New York City.

“Dr. McGuffog will have big shoes to fill, but she’s a seasoned leader that will come and hit the ground running,” said School Board President Dr. Robert Maher. “With a double-doctorate and background in psychology, she’s created highly regarded special education programs that offer innovative educational, social, and vocational opportunities for students with emotional, developmental, and learning disabilities. Her experience with diverse populations, coupled with a strong willingness to think outside the box gives us confidence that she will create enormous opportunities for the school district.”

Maher said that the Board narrowed down its search to twenty legitimate candidates and that list quickly shortened to five who were brought in for in-person interviews. The Board’s decision was influenced by the comments provided by students, parents, teachers, staff members, administrators, and community members who participated in an online survey early in the selection process on what traits they desired in a new superintendent. The Board of Education worked with Putnam│Northern Westchester BOCES as its search consultants to assist with the executive search.

"We really appreciate the time and energy of all the people in our schools and community who participated in the process,” said Placke. “Their input played a critical part in our decision-making.”